Prague Tourist Information

Prague Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES IN THE CITY Old Town Hall: Old Town Square 1, Prague 1. Open: Daily 09:00-19:00. Na Můstku: Rytířská 12, Old Town, Prague 1. Open: Daily 09:00-19:00. Prague Castle: Castle District, Prague 1. Open: Daily 09:00-17:00. Petřín Tower: Petřínské sady 633, Lesser Town, Prague 1. Open: Daily 10.00-19.30. TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES AT Prague Airport Terminal 1. Open: Daily 08:00-20:00 Terminal 2. Open: Daily 08:00-20:00.

Tourist Information Centre

For a list of the top places to visit in Prague, view sights & tourist attractions.

Currency & Money Exchange

The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (CZK), also known as Czech koruna (Kč).

Paying in Cash

Almost all places in Prague still accept payment in cash (there are a just few "card only" bars).

Czech people are proud of their currency. If you wish to pay in cash, most shops, bars, cafés and tourist attractions in Prague only accept Czech Crowns (CZK). Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) too, but not all.

Even if you prefer using cashless payments, it is still advisable to carry a small amount of Czech Crowns to pay for incidentals (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.). Small businesses and market stall holders often prefer, or can even insist on payment in cash.

Currency exchange: where to find the best exchange rates in Prague

To change money into Czech Crowns, visitors should obtain a better exchange rate in Prague than in their home country.

The best exchange rate is usually obtained by withdrawing Czech Crowns from a cash machine (ATM) at a bank in Prague, even accounting for any transaction fees your card issuer may levy.

(i) Cash Machines (ATMs) in Prague

ATMs in Prague accept credit and debit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Key points on withdrawing cash from an ATM:

1. Use a debit card if possible. Transaction fees are generally lower than for a credit card. But if you only have a credit card, it is still worthwhile using it.

2. Use an ATM that belongs to a bank. If you are unsure, use an ATM at an actual bank. We do not recommend using an ATM that belongs to a currency exchange company or a stand alone ATM in a random location. These usually impose extra transaction fees.

To change cash for Czech Crowns in Prague, the best exchange rates can be obtained from a currency exchange office (Bureau de Change) in the city centre (NOT at the airport).

Currency exchange offices are located throughout the city, in particular around Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square and the Lesser Town Square.

It is advisable to use one of the larger currency exchange offices, one with a room inside where you can carry out your transaction in a calm manner. In contrast, be wary of the small currency exchange windows on the street; some offer competitive rates, but at others, offers of 0% commission and confusing signs can mask a poor rate.

The best way to protect yourself is to ask what the total amount you will receive is before handing over your money. Good exchange offices will tell you this as a matter of course.

For excellent exchange rates, with no commission and good customer service, we recommend:

eXchange: Náměstí Franze Kafky 2 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00; Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00. Phone: 222 700 890.

Exchange Prague: Wenceslas Square 60, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-19:00. Phone: 605 531 130. info@prahaexchange.cz.

Samiko Exchange Office: Štěpánská 39 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat 09:00-17:00. Phone: 602 211 043.

Another option is to change money at a bank. Banks offer good exchange rates, but do charge a small commission. The main area for banking in Prague is Wenceslas Square.

Cost of Living in Prague

Prices for services, such as hairdressers and health and beauty treatments, are generally lower in Prague than in Western Europe.

Dental and medical care is of a high standard and prices are reasonable, so while not wide spread, Czechia does attract some visitors for health tourism reasons.

Prices for cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, global fashion branded clothing and durable consumer goods in Prague are similar to in other countries in Europe.

The average temperature in December and January is -1°C (30°F), but it can deviate dramatically in either direction. On warm winter days, temperatures can rise to 10°C (50°F). During snowy periods, temperatures can drop to -10°C (25°F) or even -15°C (5°F).

Prague can be at its most beautiful on a bright sunny day that follows a heavy bout of snow.

When to Visit Prague

The majestic squares, historic buildings and cobbled streets are a joy to explore both in the hot summer sunshine and in the heavy snows of winter. The Vltava River and the city's many parks and gardens offer different experiences with every season.

Tourist attractions, restaurants and theatres are equipped to welcome visitors at all times; buildings are heated in the winter, and many are air-conditioned in the summer.

Above all, the city is somewhere to kick back and relax: from spring through to autumn, an al fresco drink at a pavement café or in a beer garden basking in the sunshine can be a highlight of your trip; in the winter, a warm and cosy ambience awaits inside the pubs, restaurants and traditional cafés.

Spring (March to May, including Easter) is the most popular season for tourists to visit Prague, followed by autumn (September to October), then summer (June to August). In December, huge numbers of people travel to Prague to experience the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. The single busiest period of all is perhaps New Year's Eve.

Hotel and flight prices fluctuate according to demand: the most expensive times for hotel rooms in Prague are weekends in May, April, June, September, October and December, in this order. However, even in the peak season there are bargains on stays between Sunday and Thursday nights.

July and August present an anomaly to exploit. There are fewer tourists than in spring, leading to lower prices, yet the weather is beautiful (mostly); hotels and flights are cheaper in the height of the summer because many Europeans prefer to head to a Mediterranean beach.

The remaining months of November, January and February offer an opportunity to enjoy a cheap Prague city break without the crowds. You gamble on the weather, but sometimes wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town or Lesser Town, you get the feeling you have the city all to yourself.

Flights are the most expensive on Fridays and Sundays. The cheapest days to fly to and from Prague are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

While flight and hotel prices fluctuate throughout the year, the prices for sightseeing, eating and entertainment in Prague remain the same at all times.

View our guide to where to stay in Prague.

What to Wear in Prague

However, even in summer the weather can be highly changeable. Bring a fleece and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, in case of a cold snap or heavy shower.

In the winter, you will be glad of a warm coat, hat and gloves. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea, to protect you against rain or snow.

Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is vital. The city centre is compact, making it easy to walk between the sights and tourist attractions. And the most important sights, such as Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, are only fully accessible on foot.

While it may be nice to dress smartly, and many people do, Prague is a fairly casual city. Restaurants, concert venues, theatres and other tourist venues do not have strict dress codes, and accept most forms of attire.

WiFi and Internet Access

WiFi is fast and widely available in Prague. Hotels, bars, restaurants and river cruise boats all offer free WiFi. And for the price of a coffee, visitors can hook into the free WiFi at one of the many cafés, coffee shops, fast food outlets and bakeries in the city, such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Popeyes, Bageterie Boulevard, PAUL and Salaterie.

There is also free WiFi at Prague Airport.

Phone and Post

International Dialling Code for Czechia (Czech Republic): +420.

Useful & Emergency Phone Numbers

Directory enquiries: Czech numbers: 1180. International numbers: 1181.

General emergency: 112. Fire: 150. Ambulance: 155. Municipal Police: 156. Police: 158. First Aid: 141 23. Pharmacy: 141 24. Dental: 141 22. Emergency Road Service: 1230/1240. Post Office Central Prague Post Office: Jindrisska 14 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1. Open: Daily 02:00-24:00. Phone: 604 221 504.

Czech Post Office

Electricity

British, North American and other non-EU visitors will need adaptors, which can be purchased in Prague at the electrical retailer Datart. Address: Národní 28 and Palladium Shopping Centre.

Public Transport in Prague

Tipping

Smoking

Activities for Children & Families

Prague is, relatively, a very safe city to visit with children. Parents need have no extra concerns for their kids over the normal care one would take in a busy place. There are fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy: towers to climb, bike and Segway tours to sign up for, and a number of interesting museums to visit. Plus, there is Prague Zoo, Sea World, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, river cruises, black light theatre shows, and regular special events. Most restaurants and cafés welcome children, and some offer high chairs for babies. While kids' menus are rare, waiters will happily suggest suitable dishes for children from the adult menu or perhaps serve half portions.

Prague for Children

Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Walking Difficulties, Prams & Buggies

And wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, and families with prams and pushchairs will be pleased to note that Prague's city centre is compact, with many sights and tourist attractions located close to each other.

Stay in a hotel in the city centre (Prague 1), and if you can walk short distances or be pushed, you can participate in much of the sightseeing and entertainment on offer without using public transport or taxis.

Find out more in our Prague Accessibility Guide.

Dangers & Annoyances - Prague is a safe city, but...

Never-the-less, there are things to be mindful of:

In terms of danger, watch out for trams when crossing roads. You may not hear them coming, they have the right of way over other traffic, they do not make unplanned stops unless forced to do so, and they cannot brake quickly. Be careful also to supervise children.

In terms of annoyances, taxis are notorious for overcharging. If you are flying to Prague Airport with the intention of taking a taxi to your hotel, book an airport transfer in advance through a reputable company.

If you hail a taxi on the street, whether at the airport or in the city, avoid unmarked taxis. Choose a taxi that displays the name of the company along the side of the vehicle, and perhaps Google them to make sure the company is genuine. Otherwise, even if a taxi has a meter fitted (which by law it has to have), it cannot be trusted - some drivers set the meter at whatever rate they like. The best approach is to agree a price before you enter the taxi.

Pickpockets are a problem too. Keep a close eye on your valuables. Make sure you can see or feel your money and personal possessions at all times. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Do not hang your handbag on the back of your chair in cafés. However, don't be afraid. Violence is not an issue, pickpockets prefer easy targets. Always observe the golden rule: if you don't need to carry valuables, leave them in the hotel safe.

Beware overcharging in restaurants that are heavily-frequented by tourists. Check the bill carefully to ensure it adds up, and that only the items you ordered appear on it. Plus, see if a service charge or tip has already been added - if it has, there is no need for a further tip.

When paying for something in cash at a shop or market stall, check you receive the correct change, and perhaps ask for a receipt if you are not given one.

When changing money, avoid using small currency exchange windows. Use larger currency exchange offices or withdraw money from an ATM at a bank - currency exchange

Our mission at Prague Experience is to help visitors experience the best of Prague. Tourist services featured on this website have been tested and approved - and if a service subsequently falls short (which some inevitably do), we remove it from the website: our airport transfers service charges a set fee to travel anywhere in Prague, and the drivers are polite and honest; the restaurants we feature serve great value food and provide good customer service; we only list the best performances at the finest opera houses, concert halls and theatres in Prague; and, we only list the best sightseeing tours and river cruises.

Medical Services & Healthcare

Try to avoid insect and tick bites when travelling outside Prague, especially in forested areas. They can cause significant irritation and infections of the skin, and you are advised to seek medical advice if you get bitten.

The standard of healthcare in Czechia is impressive. The country performs well above the EU average in terms of affordability, low waiting times and patient outcomes. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if required. Prague is also a destination for medical tourism.

For Czech citizens, health insurance is compulsory.

EU citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

UK citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Other nationals, and EU and UK citizens that require more extensive medical cover, are advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance.

Tourists seeking medical attention have several options:

Pharmacies offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments and conditions.

Doctors and Dentists in Prague are available 24/7 for more serious health issues.

For Emergency Care, dial 112 to be connected to the EU emergency line, which guarantees an English-speaking operator. Alternatively, contact the Czech medical emergency services on 155. Ambulance response times are generally good.

There are a lot of pharmacies in Prague. Most are in the New Town, where there are both stand-alone stores and chemists in shopping malls.

Adamova Lékárna, Wenceslas Square 8, Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 11:00-19:00. Phone: 224 227 532. Lékárna u Muzea, Wenceslas Square 64, Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00. Phone: 608 775 779. Email: info@lekarnamuzeum.cz Dr. Max Lékárna, Vodickova 40 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00. Phone: 224 235 847. Lékárna, Palladium Shopping Centre (Level -2), Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1. Open: Thu-Sat 09:00-22:00; Sun-Wed 09:00-21:00. Phone: 224 829 073. Lékárna Opletalova, Opletalova 4 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00. Phone: 224 220 703.

Pharmacies in Prague

Lékárna AVE, Havlíčkova 5 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00.
Phone: 601 201 489.
Web: Website.

Dr. Max Lékárna, Praha Hlavní Nadrazi (Prague Main Railway Station), Wilsonova 8, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00.

Lékárna U svate Ludmily, Belgická 37, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00; Sat 08:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.
Phone: 222 513 396.

Fragnerova Lékárna U Černého orla, Malostranské náměstí 14, Lesser Town, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00.
Phone: 257 219 744.
Web: Website.

Doctor Prague, Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1.
Standard Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00. Phone: 224 220 040.
Emergency Hotel Doctor Open: 24 hrs. Phone: 603 433 833.

Malo Clinic, Kateřinská 18, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Thu 07:30-19:30; Fri 07:30-16:30; 24hr emergency service.
Phone: 775 785 222. Website.

Passport & Visa Requirements for Visitors

EU nationals: Your passport or ID card must not expire before you leave Prague/Czechia. UK & Other nationals: The issue date of your passport must be less than 10 years before the date of your arrival in Prague/Czechia/EU; and The expiry date of your passport must be at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Prague/Czechia/EU. View more passport information. Visa Requirements Czechia (Czech Republic) is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area. Therefore, most tourist visitors do not require a visa to visit Prague, just a valid passport (or ID card for EU citizens).

Passport and Visa Requirements

Other nationals may require a visa: more visa information.

Foreign Embassies & Consulates

Customs Allowances within the European Union (EU)

If you travel to Prague from a non-EU country, you can bring most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco, but not meat or dairy products.

Departure: If you travel to an EU country from Prague, you can carry an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.

If you travel to a non-EU country from Prague, you can carry most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco. And you are exempt from paying VAT and taxes on alcohol - duty-free alcohol is available for purchase at Prague Airport (PRG).

How much duty-free you can carry depends on the rules of the country you are flying to. Travellers bound for the UK, for example, can return home with:
-42 litres of beer and 18 litres of still wine;
-4 litres of spirits OR 9 litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine or any alcoholic beverage less than 22% ABV;
-200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco OR 200 sticks of tobacco OR any proportional combination of these.

Lost Property

More Information

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.